Online Obituaries

Barbara L. Arnold

June 08, 1934 - March 29, 2012

Online Obituaries

Barbara Lerschen Arnold, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and sister, entered the gates of Heaven on Thursday, March 29, 2012 and joined loved ones who predeceased her. She was born June 8, 1934 in St. Paul, Ramsey County, Minnesota, second daughter of Ray and Marguerite (Collopy) Lerschen. Barbara graduated from the University of Minnesota with a major in French. She was an active member of Alpha Omicron Pi Sorority, serving as Tau chapter President.

Barbara’s love of travel led her to begin her career in Europe after graduation, and it was there that she met her future husband, Walter. Over the years the family lived in Minneapolis, Grand Rapids, Michigan, and Houston, but Barbara never lost her love for the lakes and woods of Minnesota. She drew strength from those lakes and being near the water always refreshed her soul. Barbara devoted much of her adult life to the legal profession, working as a legal secretary in both private and corporate law. She retired from Conoco in 1996. In later years her chief “occupation” was loving and nurturing her grandchildren, all of whom were sources of endless delight for her. Barbara was the family photographer and she was seldom without a camera, recording the small and large events that add zest to life, leaving a visual reminder for friends and loved ones. One of her strongest values was family and she was the cornerstone of a close and loving family group.

Left to cherish Barbara’s memory is her husband of 51 years, Walter; sons, Mark and wife, Lisa of Houston; Paul and wife, Dr. Laura, of San Antonio; and Robert, of Houston; as well as beloved grandchildren, Michael Raymond, Andrew Jean, Samuel David, David Walter and Laura Marguerite Arnold; sisters, Marguerite Sullivan and husband, Robert of Des Moines, Iowa; and Marilynn Peters and husband, Rodney of Waconia, Minnesota; and twelve nieces and nephews and their families.

There will be a Memorial Service for Barbara at 10:00 a.m., June 8, 2012 at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, 8200 Roos Road, Houston, Texas 77036, (713)774-7475. In lieu of flowers, the family graciously suggests that donations be made to the charity of your choice in Barb’s name.